Columbia Pre-MBA career management

Take aways from Columbia's pre-MBA career management session on 22nd July, 2010.

Gina Resnick (Asst Dean & MD of career management center (CMS))-
1. The job market is a slightly better this year
2. There's a new normal in the job market. MBAs have to be on top of their game to get an internship.

Michael Malone (Director, Career Education & Advising, CMC)
3. Lots of resources available at columbia, make use of them NOW. Not much time for research when you join. School's moving from H,HPs,Ps to A,B,C grading system.

Bruce Llyod, Director, Employer relations, CMC
4. Researching the industry (who what when how, industry outlook), company (history, size, headquarters, biggest competitors, major players, stock price, market capitalization, major divisions, past problems/successes, future outlook, alumni) and function
5. Banking & consulting companies show up very early on campus. Sep 27th is the first corporate event (probably an info session). Be prepared to network effectively and talk intelligently from day one. PEs/VCs, etc show up in Spring.

Laurie Boockvar, Associate Director, Career Education & Advising, CMC
6. Find your i. interests (energizing vs draining jobs), ii. skills (strengths/weaknesses), iii. values (key drivers that you wont compromise on), iv. Style (preferences, e.g working with facts or big pic, individual vs team), v. Financial/work-life balance

7. Draw a map of your career in 10 years. There are many paths that lead to your final goal. Find a bridge job to align your background with the skills you need for your dream job.

Jay Corcoran, Asst Director, CM Lib & Dig media
8. Start looking at columbia's website for resources, career chronicles, coaching tips (video), industry resources, etc
9. Reach out to the alumni - look through the database

Frameworks for Investigating Careers (moderated by Pamela Wellington)
The panelists were 4 coaches who help candidates with their careers
Charlie Alum '72 (Started SWAPS) - Preparation is the key
Chris (healthcare consulting) - Networking with 1 or 2 people per session.
Anna (mgmg consulting) - show interest
Andrew (Banking) '01 - Info interviews are real interviews. Be ready. Exibit a lot of interest in industry and company.

Nayla Bahri (Ass Dean office of student affairs)
10. Take exemption exams but not too many. Dont miss out on cluster experience. Case study with learning team during orientation

1st Sem best practices (moderated by Loren Margolis, Associate Director)
Corey class of '11 - interning at Unilever, brand management
Sid class of '11 - interning at a hedgefund, background in hedgefund.
Lots of leadership positions available at various clubs.
High grades important to banks.